The Last Starfighter

Universal Pictures | Release Date: July 13, 1984

7.5	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Ratings

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Kai82Sep 16, 2021

For some it is a true classic, hidden gem or insider tip. I consider it as a real good science fiction movie that is nearly forgotten with a unique idea. It can be argued that this is one of the first video game movie (not adaption) or atFor some it is a true classic, hidden gem or insider tip. I consider it as a real good science fiction movie that is nearly forgotten with a unique idea. It can be argued that this is one of the first video game movie (not adaption) or at least a movie that uses the videogame idea quite well. The story starts with the teenager Alex Rogan who lives in a trailer park. He has not much perspective in life as he was rejected for scholarship. However he is a masterful videogame player. His favorite game at the arcade is named Starfighter. It is a space shooter were the player fights against an invading fleet. There is more to the game than he can imagine. After he archives the highscore he is approached by the games inventor who wants to give him a prize. This is the start to the adventure. I stop here to avoid spoilers. The story has a unique idea and works well enough for me. To be fair it is also foreseeable and uses a lot of tropes but not in a way that ruins the experience. Maybe it is slightly in the so bad its good category and I fail to see it that way. Lets say it is entertaining but not a Shakespearean experience or “The Godfather” to give a more modern example. The cast works well for the genre. Again this means a solid to good performance and not “The Godfather”. I liked Lance Guest as Alex Rogan, Dan O’Herlihy as Grig, Robert Preston as Centauri and Catherine Mary Steward as Maggie. I freely admit that the bad guys are a bit stereotypical but work well enough that way. In total I say we got a good performance and no serious missteps. The special effects are divisive. They look good for the time but a bit to too artificial. Lets say they are good but not entirely my cup of tea. Maybe they aged not that well too. The practical effects are mostly good. The soundtrack is really good and they tell the story that the composer wanted to surpass even Star Wars. Not sure if it was just made up but this story keeps being told. Overall this is an entertaining movie that I enjoyed. Will not end on my top movie list but is rememberable. Bonus knowledge: At the time of writing the full movie was available for free on YouTube.… Expand

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